Texans: Mike Mohamed excels in coverage

Texans: Mike Mohamed excels in coverage

As injury concerns have limited inside linebacker Brian Cushing in recent weeks, Mike Mohamed has found himself with an increased role, logging 53 snaps in Week 14, and a career-best 60 snaps in Week 15.

A sixth-round selection for the Denver Broncos in 2011, Mohamed has had to wait until his fourth season to see significant playing time on defense, and he has definitely held his own. His +2.2 overall grade ranks 18th out of 59 qualifying inside linebackers, and while his-3.8 run defense grade could be better, his 10.1 Run Stop Percentage and 12.0 Combined Tackling Efficiency are very respectable marks.

Though he could certainly stand to improve against the run, Mohamed has been at his best against the pass; he’s been the only Texans’ linebacker with a positive grade in coverage. In fact, Mohamed’s +7.3 ranks fifth among all inside linebackers, as does his opposing quarterback rating of 79.7. He has given up 200 yards and zero touchdowns on 29 targets, notched an interception and three batted passes, and conceded 0.79 Yards per Cover Snap, 21st among qualifying inside linebackers.

With an in-form Joe Flacco coming to town this Sunday, Mohamed could well find himself on the field for a large portion of defensive snaps.